SUPERCARS has confirmed the imminent implementation of multiple state-of-the-art methods to ensure the parity debate is put to bed for 2024.
As expected, wind tunnel testing will take place in the United States during the off-season.
Specifically, a burgeoning relationship with NASCAR has laid the platform for Supercars to head to the Windshear Wind Tunnel facility in Concord, North Carolina in December.
Windshear was constructed by Haas Automation and opened in 2008.
Two current Supercars – likely their respective Bathurst wildcards – owned by homologation teams Dick Johnson Racing (Ford) and Triple Eight (Chevrolet) will be used for the aerodynamic test.
Other resources now confirmed to be available include torque sensors, which have finally arrived, and the securing of the necessary parts and equipment to complete transient dynamometer testing.
That testing will happen next month in Melbourne, presumably at engineering firm DS International, giving a more detailed analysis of how the Gen3 Ford and Chevrolet engines compare.
To cater for the enhanced processes, Supercars is expanding its technical department, creating the roles of technical category director and senior data engineer.
“These are worlds-best practice measures we are implementing and have been approved after months of discussions, research and data analysis,” said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.
“Supercars has never undertaken full scale wind tunnel testing previously, however with the introduction of Gen3 has come the most significant change in the history of the sport.
“As a technical parity category, we strive to ensure that we can provide as much information as possible to teams that are now using more control components than ever.
“By implementing these changes and carrying out these tests, our goal is to provide teams and our Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with as much data as possible to produce best outcomes for those competing in our championship.”
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Howard explained how an August trip to the US, coinciding with Shane van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki’s appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series’ visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, had been pivotal.
“We engaged in productive discussions with OEMs and NASCAR,” he said.
“Our discussions with NASCAR have helped us to map out our testing program at the Windshear facility.
“With these tests now confirmed, the objective now is to embark on a long-term assessment program in close collaboration with all relevant parties.
“This program will set unprecedented benchmarks and align Supercars with world-best practice, ensuring the category’s growth and success.”
This weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 represents the penultimate round of the 2023 season.
